​THE lives of the Hlongwane family has improved for the better following the allocation of a brand new house as part of the Trenance Park 2B Housing Project in Verulam. This came at an opportune time as the family grappled with caring for 81-yearold Aloisia Hlongwane of Verulam, ward 59, who unexpectedly suffered a stroke.

Her daughter, Xolisile Hlongwane, 41, admitted it was difficult caring for her elderly and sick mother in the small, cramped space they previously resided in. “My family and I lived in an informal settlement called Yellow City and we were moved by the City to a transit camp nearby. We did not have much privacy and that would not have allowed us to take good care of our mother if she had the stroke while we were still living there,” she said. “We are grateful that we have our own bathroom and toilet with running water inside the house.

That has made it easier for us to take care of our mother. We can bathe her properly and she uses the bathroom in a dignified manner, right inside the house,” she said. The R28 million Trenance Park 2B Housing Project, an Informal Settlement Upgrading Programme which is currently in the close out stage, had an original yield of 307 houses. However, due to obstacles including the geotechnical conditions, 298 houses were built.

The connection of services, including water and electricity is complete. Although all beneficiary registrations have been completed and houses allocated, about 274 beneficiaries have been approved while there are queries with 24 beneficiaries which are being dealt with. Ward 59 Councillor Bongani Majola said the housing project has achieved exactly what the City sets out to do, which is bring dignity to residents’ lives. “Many residents are benefitting greatly from this and other housing projects. They now have access to basic services such as water and electricity and are living within decent spaces, which restores dignity for the residents and the community at large,” said Councillor Majola.

nonhlanhla.mkhabela@durban.gov.za